Awareness helps stop invasive pests

BISMARCK – February 26 through March 2 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. With warmer weather on the way, it is important for the public to be aware of invasive species. Each year, harmful invasive plant pests and diseases cost the U.S. $40 billion in crop losses, damage to forests and expensive eradication and control efforts, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Plant pests and diseases can be spread a number of ways,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “It only takes one infected plant or piece of firewood to move invasive species into North Dakota.”